ECS staff members from administration, CERRC, ACCORD, Para Las Familias, and other programs manned ECS’s booth at The Good News Festival throughout the day. December 2022.
What a weekend! Dec. 9 – 10, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) took over the Town and Country Resort to welcome Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and the Reverend. Dr. William Barber II to Southern California to remind San Diegans that the good news of Christ is alive and well.
You could say that both speakers are a big deal, as Curry delivered the sermon at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding and is a several-time published author, and Barber is a nationally known Disciples of Christ pastor and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign.
ECS participated throughout the weekend to demonstrate support as the community services function of EDSD and to share information about our services with festival attendees.
On Friday evening, EDSD hosted The Bishop’s Reception & Dinner as an opportunity to fellowship and learn more about EDSD’s mission and vision. During dinner, guests listened in as San Diego Bishop and ECS Board Member Susan Brown Snook and Curry discussed his insight and perspective on what it means to love. Their conversation was only an appetizer for Saturday evening’s main event – the revival service.
On Saturday afternoon, EDSD simultaneously held the Holiday Marketplace and The Good News Workshops. The Holiday Marketplace was filled with nonprofit organizations like ECS and Plant with Purpose, and small businesses like Mama Africa Catering. Several ECS staff members from administration, CERRC, ACCORD, Para Las Familias, and other programs manned ECS’s booth throughout the day.
Later in the afternoon, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, Chief Executive Officer of ECS, Dinora Reyna-Gutierrez, Executive Director of San Diego Organizing Project, and Paige Eaves, Assistant District Director of South District in the United Methodist Church, joined forces to discuss how faith-based communities can begin affordable housing initiatives in their areas. The workshop was standing room only as participants were attentive to the conversation, ready to take ideas back to their communities.
Curry ended the festival Saturday night with a heartfelt and humorous revival message filled with hope, restoration, and love. Barber was also scheduled to preach but cancelled due to illness.
If you missed the Saturday evening service, you may view it here.
Curry also preached at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral the following day.
Episcopal News Service article: Presiding bishop preaches ‘love always’ at San Diego’s Good News Festival.
ECS staff and board members enjoy the Bishop’s Reception at the Town and Country Resort. December 2022.
ECS staff and family attend the revival at the Town and Country Resort. December 2022.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaching at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. December 2022.